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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

LA COUNTY FAIR 2013 is open till September 29

LA COUNTY FAIR 2013 ends on September 29!   All schools, whether private, public, or homeschoolers, can organize free fieldtrips with free parking at the ratio of no more than 2 adults to a child.

If you cannot get on a educational fieldtrip on a weekday, check out all the admission discounts and specials for different days at:

http://www.lacountyfair.com/2013/planyourvisit/promotions_calendar.asp

There are free days for various colleges, and discounts and promotions, Food Drives days, School Supply Drives day on Sept 5 and 12.   I added the entire list which you should double check for updates below at the end of this post.  If you are a Star Trek fan and can come in costume, there is even a free admission day on Sept 14.

For a family of four, Costco has the best package as it includes one parking pass and 44 rides/games tickets (different rides/games need multiple tickets), and you can go on any day including weekends.

Costco Fair Savings Pack

Available beginning Aug. 1 through Sept. 29 at participating Costco stores for only $59.99, includes four any-day Fair admissions, one parking pass and 44 RCS ride/game tickets. Rides and games require multiple tickets. Click here to view a list of participating stores.
There is so much to learn and enjoy at the fair!  Plan on one next year and here's a link:
http://www.lacountyfair.com/2013/educationcommunity/fairKids.asp

Below are the tips and suggestions to enjoy the LA COUNTY FAIR on an educational fieldtrip and to keep cool and hydrated!

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The official address of the fair is:
1101 W McKinley Ave
Pomona, CA 91768

But Gate 9 in the BLUE GATE area is off WHITE AVE if you are doing a homeschooler/private school fieldtrip.

is a good map to orient yourself and you can see WHITE AVE and GATE 9 as well as the freeways.
I would gps the intersection of McKinley and White Ave unless you see a closer route from the freeway you are taking.  This map is interactive so you can click on each named areas.   


First, if you did not get a map when you pass the School House Facade, you can get maps within the first 100 yards after you get into the Fair and out of the tunnel.   Look for a kiosk with maps and schedules for the day.


There are many many shows worth seeing.  My favorites are listed in this daily schedules and you can check out the times:


Click on your specifc day to see the schedule of educational and entertaining shows for the day and many shows are presented twice or more a day. Allow extra time for children to go slower and enjoy what they see along the way.   However, if you have never been to the fair before, it is a good idea to plan out your route based on performance shows or demonstrations you want to catch. You can do that ahead of time with this online interactive map in the blue box above.

It is always hot at the fair, so plan any rides for after the sun has gone down when it is cool,  Bring hats and sunglasses and sunscreen ...and have plenty of water bottles.  I know there is good ice-cream opposite the cow-milking areas.

My best tip for managing the heat is to alternate between outdoor activities and indoor events in air-conditioned buildings - the art gallery, car museum and all the shopping areas as well as the garden/flower buildings.  Look at the map to see where things are and look at the schedule to see what times you want to be in a certain areas. 

Bring these to cool off:  a light-weight baby-stroller (lighter than a wagon) even if you don't have a toddler so you can carry ice-cold frozen waterbottles without breaking your back as well as any healthy snacks (although the turkey legs is really something if you are not vegetarian!).  Neckerchiefs or even paper towels that you can wet to cool off around the necks, or handheld battery-operated fans, or the watermisters for fun cooling,  

 When you first enter, you will be near Fairview Farms and you can see prize-winning 4-H animals, bee-exhibits and you can hang out near the FarmViews and Heritage Farm and Crafts earlier in the day if you are interested in all the animals' exhibit (don't miss the cow-milking by machine, goat-milking by hand, and pig races), and the air-conditioned America Kids Building where this year you will see Magic Tree House show. For the horse lovers, you can see some horse shows near the farm area and you can also see real horse racing at the fair .. another place to cool off and rest :)

Oh, if your kids want to earn some free junior ride tickets for up to 8th grade, you can get up to 6 free tickets-to- ride by printing out this form:


By listing the titles of books your child have read this summer and making pictures reports (K-2nd) about them or brief book reports between 25-50 words depending on their grade.  They can type or write them .. and the retired teacher volunteers would sometimes ask them about the books they read  :) Bring the form and "book reports" to the counter near the entrance at America Kids and get the ride tickets.  This building also has all the winning art work worth looking at and also dress up and play areas.  See if your child's favorite books have special features and activities here .. don't miss the Magic Tree House Stage for some action:)


I personally would try to see everything and we usually leave at closing time since we like most of the shows, but if you have limited time, try these recommendations for each grade level from this link:


Here are some of the main attractions:

PENCILS 2 PIXELS – THE ART OF ANIMATION

Explore the world of animation and learn from the best at Pencils 2 Pixels – The Art of Animation. Create your own stop-motion animation sequence at the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity or learn to draw some of your favorite cartoon characters at the Animation University.

AMERICA'S KIDS: A LIVING LIBRARY OF FUN

presented by King Taco Restaurants
A Living Library of Fun isn’t your ordinary library. In this library, books are 8-feet tall, some of your favorite fictional characters come to life and you don’t have to whisper!

New show in FairView Farms all about animals you would find in the country. See animals like a barn owl, a fox, an opossem, tortoises and king snakes.

At the shopping centers, you can catch many performances and shows and the Beijing Acrobatic Show is well worth seeing.  Besides this is a cool building and you have chairs to sit down to rest.  There are always vendors selling massage chairs (many weary fairgoers try them!) and giving things away.

The sharks, stingrays, and this year, Melissa the Mermaid, will be swimming around.  Last year, it was a man who could put a shark to hypnotic state underwater :)

imageBENEATH THE SEA: AN UNDERWATER ADVENTURE

Sea Lion Splash features sea lion fun and a 5,000-gallon tank that houses sharks, stingrays, crabs and starfish. A Sea Monsters Traveling Exhibit and a visit to Melissa the Mermaid are also a part of the exhibit.

NHRA MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM

The 28,000-square-foot NHRA Motorsports Museum chronicles more than 50 years of American auto racing history and features vintage vehicles, uniforms, and other memorabilia.  If you bring along your admission ticket and tell them you are part of an educational fieldtrip, you can enter this amazing showcase of cars and bikes for free. Otherwise, it is one dollar per person
Don't miss this Art Gallery even if your kids normally don't like art .. because many objects in this exhibit will interest them .. besides it is another "cool-off" location and you can sit down and have the kids do some quiet art as well.  There are docent tours you can just join in.   
2013
The Millard Sheets Gallery Presents:
“Art Treasures From the Attic”
 The Millard Sheets Art Gallery is often missed, but it is right across from the NHRA car museum. http://www.fairplex.com/fp/Foundations/MillardSheets/

  Don't miss the miniature train display where you can see several model trains run. The Fairplex Garden Railroad is considered the oldest and possibly the largest miniature railroad of its kind in the United States and possibly the world.  Read all about these trains here:  
http://www.fgrr.org/ and then go and climb out to the real big locomotives and the caboose ... I remember that they let you sound the "horn" in one of the locomotives! The historic collection of real locomotives here can be checked out here:   http://www.trainweb.org/rlhs/collection/collection1.html

Don't miss the Beijing Circus Show,  Mango and Tango, and other shows - with a little planning, you will be at the right place and all these sit-down events will give your legs and kids a chance to rest and be entertained.

Don't miss  all  the animal shows at this link below:  Sealions are new, and the African animals and animal shows are near the Flowers and Gardens building which you can also take the fair trams to.  The pet animal shows as well as the bird show is pretty good and educational ... as is the magic show in this area.
http://www.lacountyfair.com/2013/entertainment/Animals.asp


If you are a StarTrek fan, you may find this worthwhile - separate $5 admission you can buy online or at the fair . Haven't seen this, so I cannot recommend.  
http://www.lacountyfair.com/2013/entertainment/startrek.asp

Anyway, have a great day at the fair.  If you think this post is worth a small donation to our Orang Utan cause, just email me at this email address:  reallykf@gmail.com    Thanks for your "pay forward" donation and I hope this post helps to get your kids excited about the far and makes the fair manageable for your family.

LA COUNTY FAIR is quite amazing if you have the stamina.

If you wish to get discounted admissions or promotions on your own without an educational fieldtrip, check out this link as promotions are subject to change:

http://www.lacountyfair.com/2013/planyourvisit/Promotions.asp#metrolink


PROMOTION DETAILS



Promotions are subject to change without notice.
 

Walgreens Season Pass

walgreens
Visit your local Walgreens to purchase a season pass for just 24.99. Click here for a list of participating stores.

Ralphs Any-Day Ticket

Come to any participating Ralphs grocery store to purchase admission tickets for just $10 for adults, ages 13+ and $6 for ages 6-12. Each Ralphs adult and child any-day admission ticket comes with an exclusive carnival ride wristband offer (purchase required, restrictions apply). Wristbands are $35 and must be purchased before 9 p.m., and used by 11 p.m. weekdays; must be purchased before 4 p.m., and used by 7 p.m. weekends. Wristbands must be purchased in the carnival at a ticket booth by the designated times. Presented by Ralphs. Click here to view a list of participating stores. 

Cardenas Markets Any-Day Ticket

This year you can pick up your tickets at participating Cardenas locations as well! Adult tickets are still just $10 and tickets for children ages 6-12 are $6. Tickets available August 19 through September 29. List of participating stores coming soon.

Group Sales

Groups of 20 or more can enjoy up to 50% off of admission. Adult tickets are available for $10 and child tickets are only $6 (ages 6-12). Tickets may be ordered on consignment or online with a discount promo code. Click here for more information.

$5 after 5 p.m. presented by Circus Circus Las Vegas

$5 admission to the Fair on Wednesdays and Thursdays with a coupon only. Children ages 5 and younger are free. Get your coupon now!

Wild Wednesdays, presented by Farmer Boys and Del Taco

farmerFair admission and a carnival ride wristband just $25 on Wednesdays only. 
Available in participating stores.
Weekday wristbands must be purchased before 9 p.m. and used by 11 p.m.
deltacoVouchers must be exchanged at a front gate admissions window and wristbands must be purchased in the carnival at a ticket booth
by the designated times. 
*You must be 36” or taller to ride any of the rides.
Click here to view a list of participating stores for Farmer Boys and Del Taco. Coupons available August 28 through September 25.

T-Mobile Thursdays

Fair admission and a carnival ride wristband just $25 on Thursdays only. 
Available in participating stores.
Weekday wristbands must be purchased before 9 p.m. and used by 11 p.m. 
Vouchers must be exchanged at a front gate admissions window and wristbands must be purchased in the carnival at a ticket booth by the designated times. 
*You must be 36” or taller to ride any of the rides.
Coupons available August 29 through September 26.

Food Drive Fridays, presented by Ralphs

Guests receive free Fair admission in exchange for five canned products on Fridays. Free admission good that day only , noon- 5 p.m. only. The canned products will be donated to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank with a portion going to the honored community of the day for distribution to their charity.

Blood Drives*

Blood donors receive a free Fair ticket good any day. 
*On-site blood drive donors receive a ticket for one free return admission to the Fair.
Aug. 30 - Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Bloodmobile at the Fair
Aug. 31 - Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Bloodmobile at the Fair
Sept. 5 - Huntington Hospital, Bloodmobile at the Fair
Sept. 6 - Huntington Hospital, Bloodmobile at the Fair
Sept. 7 - Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Bloodmobile at the Fair
Sept. 12 - Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, Bloodmobile at the Fair
Sept. 14 - Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Bloodmobile at the Fair
Sept. 20 - Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Bloodmobile at the Fair
Sept. 21 - Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, Bloodmobile at the Fair 
Sept. 25 - City of Hope, Bloodmobile at the Fair 
Sept. 28 - City of Hope, Bloodmobile at the Fair

Race & Fair Combo at SpeedZone Los Angeles

A very unique Fair Combo package is available only at www.speedzone.com/losangeles.
Get a 4 Hour Unlimited SpeedZone Play Card valid towards racing (Slick, Turbo and Grand Prix), (1) Top Eliminator Race, mini golf and video games* and (1) Any Day 2013 LA County Fair Ticket for $34.99 per person. Value $74.99. Save $40.00.
*Redemption games/prize games, Strike Zone bowling and certain video games not included. This offer not valid at LA County Fair box office must be purchased at SpeedZone LA only or online at www.speedzone.com. Must print coupon offer and present printed coupon to SZ cashier to receive offer. This offer expires 10/2/2013 LA County Fair Hours Open Labor Day & Labor Day weekend (closed subsequent Mondays and Tuesdays). Some other restrictions apply and new card activation fee may apply. Offer valid while supplies last.

Metrolink $10 Weekend Pass

Metrolink offers a special $10 Weekend Day Pass for Saturday or Sunday travel only.  For more information or station locations visit metrolinktrains.com/lacofair or call (800) 371-5465(LINK).  Click here for schedule. Schedules and information are also available at Fair guest service centers.

Children

Children ages 6-12 are admitted to the Fair weekends for $12 and $8 Wednesdays through Fridays. Ages 5 and younger are admitted free every day.

College Days

  • Specific college campuses will be featured during the Fair, with students, faculty and staff receiving one free admission on their respective college day with proper ID. See your college's respective Recreation or HR Department for coupon. Alumni will receive $10 admission on their respective day with promo code, only valid on tickets purchased through our online shopping cart. Coupon required for all college day discounts. Participants are encouraged to wear school colors on their day. Please contact your respective college’s Recreation or HR Department to retrieve a coupon.
*Coupon required to receive discount

Community Days

With exclusive online promotional code, residents receive $5 admission before 5 p.m. on their respective community day. A total of 17 communities are honored during the Fair. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and a promotional code is required. Each city or county employee, resident and their families and friends receive an exclusive offer.  Contact the city office for more details.
  • Montclair & Fontana - Wednesday, Sept. 4
  • Diamond Bar - Thursday, Sept. 5
  • Pomona - Friday, Sept. 6
  • L.A. County - Sunday, Sept. 8
  • San Dimas - Wednesday, Sept. 11
  • La Verne - Thursday, Sept. 12
  • Upland - Friday, Sept. 13
  • Chino - Wednesday, Sept. 18
  • Walnut & West Covina - Thursday, Sept. 19
  • Chino Hills - Friday, Sept. 20
  • Glendora - Wednesday, Sept. 25
  • Claremont - Thursday, Sept. 26
  • Azusa, Rancho Cucamonga, Covina & Ontario - Friday, Sept. 27

Costco Fair Savings Pack

Available beginning Aug. 1 through Sept. 29 at participating Costco stores for only $59.99, includes four any-day Fair admissions, one parking pass and 44 RCS ride/game tickets. Rides and games require multiple tickets. Click here to view a list of participating stores.

Day at the Races

For groups of 10 or more, it starts at just $37 a person for a fun-filled day that includes free Fair admission, lunch buffet & group photo in the Winner’s Circle. Special packages are available for larger groups. Call (909) 865-4094 or visit the Day at the Races page for more info.

FairKids Field Trips

Students, teachers and chaperones from schools throughout Southern California experience a weekday at the Fair with no admission charge to schools or students. Accompanying curriculum ensures a day filled with fun and pain-free learning. Advance reservations required at (909) 865-4075. Field trips are subject to availability.

Los Angeles County Day

Sunday, Sept. 8 
L.A. County employees, families and friends receive an exclusive $5 offer. 

Day for Heroes

Saturday, Sept. 7, active and retired military, reserves, police, fire and paramedics, with ID, along with one guest, can attend the Fair for $1 each; proceeds from the $1 admissions will be donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

School Supply Drive

Thursday, Sept. 5 and 12
School Supply Drive, with a donation of 3 new and unwrapped school items for free admission noon-5 p.m. The items will be donated to Inland Empire United Way’s School Tools Program.

Senior Wednesdays

$5 admission with coupon from your local LANG publication. Don't get the paper? Download your coupon here to print and bring to the Fair.

Star Trek™ Day at the Fair

Sept. 14, 2013

Free Fair Admission 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for guests in Star Trek attire. Star Trek exhibit admission not included. Costumes are permitted, no weapons allowed.
 *Information subject to change
 **Fair admission is not included in the price of concert tickets
  • *You must be 36” or taller to ride any of the rides.

A limited number of free, general admission concert tickets are available at the ticket kiosk located on Rose Lane at 3 p.m., concert days, first come first served. Everyone wishing a ticket must be present.

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